Community Health Workers (CHWs) have long been essential in supporting health service delivery in Malawi. They help in bringing essential health services information directly to households, often in settings where health facilities are far away. Yet, despite their vital role, many community volunteers receive limited training and continuous mentorship.
Thanks to recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), this gap is beginning to narrow. Dimagi, through its innovative use of Large Language Models (LLMs), has developed an interactive chatbot embedded within the CommCare application to support community volunteers in real time. The chatbot is available in both English and Chichewa, making it accessible and practical for community health workers.
With support from Dimagi, PACHI is equipping community volunteers in Dowa district with essential digital skills. These volunteers use the CommCare app to independently deliver health interventions, learn at their own pace and earn incentives for verified household visits.
PACHI has been running cohorts in the district and has managed to run Infant vaccine verification, Household safety checks and Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions.
Recently, a major focus has been on sensitizing pregnant women and caregivers of children aged 0–5 months about ECD. The CommCare-embedded chatbot has become a daily companion in this work, guiding volunteers on how to deliver ECD messages effectively and confidently.
How the AI Chatbot Strengthens Volunteer Skills
The interactive chatbot does far more than answer questions, it actively trains and mentors volunteers.
1. Realistic Scenario-Based Learning
The chatbot presents volunteers with real-world situations they may encounter in the field. These scenarios help them practice responding to questions for example about:
- Vaccine benefits and safety
- Responsive caregiving practices
- Mental health and emotional support for mothers and infants
This allows volunteers to sharpen their communication skills in a safe, supportive space.
2. Problem Solving
Whenever a volunteer is unsure about what was raised in the recent visit, they can consult the chatbot for guidance. It provides guidance and other tips, strengthening volunteer confidence and competence.
3. Knowledge-Reinforcing Quizzes
Interactive quizzes built into the chatbot help volunteers retain what they’ve learned. These exercises improve decision-making, helping volunteers handle real household situations with greater understanding.
Dimagi continues to develop technological solutions that improve service delivery. In Malawi, its partnership with PACHI is transforming how community volunteers learn and work.
By combining AI-powered learning tools with community engagement, this collaboration is helping volunteers provide accurate health information to caregivers in Dowa district.